By Ben Rodgers
Staff Writer
SUAMICO – If you are in the market for anything from decorations to a complete remodel, design a la mode has it.
The interior design business with retail space has been a Vickery Village staple since 2006, but it keeps growing and is now in its third location.
“We are an interior design business with retail space, so in our store we offer everything for the home as well as unique gifts,” said Sheri Worth, owner.
Design a la mode also has been working with people since it opened on remodels both simple and complex and everywhere in between.
“We do as little or as much as they need,” Worth said. “Sometimes we’re called in for as little as a new paint color, but we’ve also been involved with whole room design as well as remodels and new builds.”
For Worth it’s a family affair through and through.
Her father owns Barton Designs, a Suamico construction company. Worth has been helping his customers with redesigns and remodels for years.
When someone comes into design a la mode, Worth and her staff strives to build a personal relationship, which helps when undertaking projects as big as a remodel or design.
“With a lot of customers I know their dog’s name, the pets get used to us coming in and out and the kids, the kids come in here and call me by name,” Worth said.
Building those relationships is key to the success of design a la mode.
“We really do appreciate our customers and I’m sure they know it,” Worth said. “We have customers from the day we opened and they’ve stuck with us.”
Unlike other interior design firms design a la mode works to cut down on the intimidation factor. The customer and their needs are first from the start of the project to the finish.
“It’s nice to work with the customers because I want to see how they live,” Worth said. “It makes a big difference if it’s an active family vs. a retired couple. I want them to come home and feel like it’s their home, not my home.”
This can be as simple as suggesting that a white couch isn’t the best idea with little kids in the house, to as detailed as looking over floor plans and making sure the daughter has enough closet space.
Depending on the project, Worth and her team will usually do an initial review of the space and take photos and measurements, then on the second visit bring suggestions and an estimate.
She always will take into account color schemes the family likes as well as the placement of special items like family photos.
Design a la mode also works on bathroom and kitchen remodels, which are being done on a monthly basis.
“It’s daunting and remodels are not inexpensive, so it’s nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of,” Worth said. “A lot of times we’ll catch little things that people don’t see.”
The store also carries a wide selection of paint, wallpaper, it does upholstery work, carries window trimmings, rugs, lighting, furniture and accessories.
“We have a lot of inventory that’s ready to go and we always have a lot of staff here,” Worth said.
More information can be found at designalamode.net, or on Facebook by liking design a la mode.
Worth also welcomes any calls or emails from people who have any questions. She can be reached at 920-662-9908 or [email protected].
The store is located at 1744 Riverside Drive and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Design a la mode will also be part of a grand opening of businesses in Vickery Village on Feb. 19 to 24.